Joel Bitonio: 49ers' Offensive Line Stabilizer?

0:00For the NFL, it's March 3rd. Here's what's happening. Make sure you're subscribed so you never miss an update. The San Francisco 49ers face a key gap on their offensive line at left guard heading into next season, especially with uncertainty around Trent. Williams. Last year, after Aaron Banks headed to Green Bay, the spot turned into a rotation with Ben Barch, Spencer Burford, Connor Colby, and Nick Zagel-Geo. Getting starts, but none locking it down. His name floating as a fix is veteran Joe Baitonio, who's spent all 12 of his NFL seasons with the Cleveland Browns. He crosses past with 49ers' coach Kyle Shanahan from Shanahan's brief, rocky year in Cleveland early in his career. Shanahan tends to favor players he knows and trusts, and Baitonio fits that mold with his Iron Man streak, missing just two games since 20. Seventeen. Fans and analysts see him as a steady hand who could pair well next to Williams right away. Antonio shows some drop-off lately, allowing more pressures and hurries in each of the last

1:01three seasons, 35 pressures and 28. Hurries in 2023, 32 and 28 the next year, then 31 and 24 this past season. Still, he gave up only eight sacks total over those years, way better than the 48 pressures, 43 hurries and five sacks from the 49ers left guards combined. Finding him carries risk with both Baitonio and Williams past 35, but it buys time to groom a long-term starter while boosting consistency up. Front. This episode is proudly sponsored by our partner. Some chase peace. I